Varsity Extra football previews

Mountain View, the defending state runner-up, is off to another deep run. The Mavs knocked off Rocky Mountain 44-20 last week by creating six turnovers, snapping a five-game losing streak to the Grizzlies. Now they set their eyes on a six-game losing streak to Capital.

Boise at Borah

An explosive Borah squad has scored 49 and 48 points in its first two games. And a win against its district rival makes the Lions 3-0 for the first time since 1997. Borah has won four of its past five over the Braves, including a combined score of 76-4 the past two years.

Rocky Mountain at Meridian

Rocky Mountain proved to be its own worst enemy in a marquee loss to Mountain View, committing six turnovers. The high-powered Grizz will try to clean up those mistakes against a Meridian defense that is holding opponents to 19.5 points per game.

Centennial at Eagle

Eagle had five turnovers in last week’s 21-14 loss to Capital. The Mustangs will try to get back on track with their seventh straight win over Centennial, which is trying to end an 11-game losing streak.

Kuna at Vallivue

Kuna is 0-2 with a defense that is surrendering 46.5 points per game. It will try to find its first win against Vallivue, which committed eight turnovers in a loss to Bishop Kelly last week and fell to the Kavemen 53-20 last year.

Columbia at Middleton

Both squads are looking for their first win. Middleton opened with competitive losses to 3A Emmett and Fruitland. Columbia has been blown out by 5A Nampa and Borah by a combined score of 90-21, and it has lost its past 17 games.

Minico at Mountain Home

Two games against District Four (Twin Falls area) teams have left Mountain Home 0-2 and outscored 93-15. The Tigers hope the third time’s the charm against Minico, which beat Mtn. Home 59-24 last year.

Emmett at Canyon Ridge

Emmett is 2-0 with a pair of wins over 4A programs Kuna and Middleton. The Huskies will try to make it 3-for-3 at Canyon Ridge, which Emmett beat 53-7 a year ago.

Vale, Ore., at Homedale

Homedale’s defense shined in its opener, holding Melba to 57 yards and three first downs. But it will face an entirely different test with Oregon’s defending 3A state champs coming to town.

La Grande, Ore., at Weiser

After a 58-12 loss in its opener last week to 4A Caldwell, Weiser aims to get back in the win column against a team it beat 43-28 on the road last season. La Grande dominated Nyssa, Ore., 24-2 last week.

Payette at Baker, Ore.

Payette struggled offensively a week ago against New Plymouth, mounting 121 total yards and -7 yards rushing on 32 carries. Baker has won three straight over the Pirates.

Nampa Christian at Parma

Both teams are searching for defensive answers after losses. Nampa Christian gave up 519 yards in a 35-21 loss to Gooding. Parma followed a shutout in its opener with a 31-10 loss to Vale.

Nyssa, Ore.at New Plymouth

New Plymouth running back Teagan Gross erupted for 153 yards and three TDs last week to even the Pilgrims’ record. New Plymouth and Nyssa have split their past six meetings.

Greenleaf at Camas County

The combined Greenleaf and Rimrock program, which will go by Greenleaf, plays its first game after Rimrock forfeited its first two games due to a lack of players.

Notus at Tri-Valley

Notus is 2-0 for the first time since 2010, and could improve to 3-0 against a Tri-Valley team it has beaten three straight years. Tri-Valley notched its first win since Sept. 5, 2014, by topping Horseshoe Bend last week.

Horseshoe Bend at Grace

Horseshoe Bend lost its first two games of 2014 before edging Grace 40-38. The Mustangs hope for a repeat of last year after scoring one TD in each of their first two games.

Garden Valley at Idaho City

It’s been a challenging start to the season for both teams, who have given up a combined 240 points in four losses. Idaho City won last year’s game 68-0.

Powder Valley, Ore.at Council

Council, a 1A Division II state semifinalist last fall, hasn’t been tested in its first two games, averaging 60 points. Powder Valley won its opener 56-6, but struggled against Council last year, losing 76-0.

Salmon River at Prairie

Prairie, the defending 1A Division I state champion, won its 13th consecutive game in a season-opening 48-8 victory over Genesee last week. Salmon River, a 1A Division II program edged Colton, Wash., 28-20. The teams have split their past two meetings.

Joseph, Ore., at Wilder

This will be the first game of the season for the charter school in Oregon. Wilder, last year’s 1A Division II runner-up, is hosting its first game under new stadium lights. The team has rented lights in the past, but hasn’t had permanent stadium lights in nine years.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Madison at Skyview

Skyview’s tough nonconference schedule continues against 5A Madison, which already has wins over Capital and Bonneville. This is Skyview’s home opener.

Salmon at Cole Valley Christian (Meridian High)

This is the first of three straight home games for Cole Valley Christian, which opened the season with a 44-14 loss at Declo. Salmon is coming off a bye and also has yet to win a game this season.

Capsules by Rachel Roberts and Michael Lycklama

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